GTA news, multiculti views and extra hot sauce…
Welcome to the ethnic aisle. We know you’ve been craving something different. You’re tired of hearing that the Greater Toronto Area is the most diverse spot in the world, only to be bombarded with the same voices, the same ideas, the same flavour of news and commentary on every website, newspaper, tv channel and radio station. It’s boring, right? It’s so limited, which is such a shame when there’s so much more to taste.
This blog collects and links to the thoughts of mouthy bloggers, journalists and everyday peeps who actually hail from those mysterious diverse communities you hear so much about. It’s focus is race and ethnicity. We’re going to use this blog as a clearing-house for our personal reflections on how our non-white, non-newcomer identities affect our views of what happens in this city. We’ll be commenting on news, picking apart each other’s arguments and musing on the broader picture. We’re always looking for people to contribute, of every identity, even if you’re white (or, worse, like to be called a New Canadian). Keep reading, and get in touch.
Who We Are
Anupa Mistry lives and works in Toronto, but grew up in the chocolatey swirl of Brampton, ON. She loves Ghostface Killah and hates Ruby Dhalla.
Chantal Braganza is a daytime editor, nighttime vegetable pickler and budding mariachi fan. When not blogging about books and guilt she can usually be found doing something else non-topical and biographically appropriate.
Denise Balkissoon is the Toronto-born daughter of two Trinidadians. She is sorry to disappoint all of the brown grandmothers who ask if she is Indian. You can find her clips at www.balkissoon.com.
The only mayor Jef Catapang has ever known is Hazel McCallion, which concerns and comforts him. He writes for money but when it’s about movies or MMA it doesn’t feel like work. Hates cats, sorry.
Kelli Korducki is the product of a Salvadoran immigrant mother and the Gringo who wooed her while on a Peace Corps mission in her village. Kelli grew up with an Anglo name and a Polish face, straddling two languages and cultures with appreciation and angst.
Navneet Alang is an unapologetic Toronto-phile, permanent student and total nerd who writes about technology and literature.
Renee Sylvestre-Williams is a multi-hyphenate in both work (writer, editor, online person) and her racial background (Indian, black, white). She prefers if you approach her from the left and bring coffee.
Asides from waxing seriousarcastic on pop culture and ethnographic topics, Simon Yau also writes about sports, food and the minutiae of his cubicle ergonomics. He eats rice every day.
Hello:
I recently came across your page. Considering the emphasis on race and ethnicity, I wanted to know if you review race-based novels? My book SELLOUT is about the struggles of interracial dating between blacks and whites. It’s like a modern-day Jungle Fever.
Although this book is based in the US and focuses on blacks and whites, I’m sure Canadians have similar issues of racism and prejudice involving interracial dating, no matter the race. If interested, I can send a complimentary book either in print or ebook. My website is linked to this post. Thanks in advance!
I have no idea why I only just found this blog. This is the kind of stuff that I think about all day, everyday. I’m trying to write about it more when I get the chance. Check out my blog and get in touch if you’d like me to write anything. Keep up the awesome work.
send me email want to be a part of the movement.
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